3.05 Chester Cup – Selection: Team Player
HRB points strongly to Berkshire Sundance, the TimeWise Master rank 1, and that must be respected. However, this Chester Cup looks a searching test, with Comment Shaper flagging a very strong race shape, two likely front-runners and a high collapse risk.
That makes Team Player very interesting. He is HRB rank 2, which is the only serious alternative to the top-rated horse, and he also has one of the strongest late-finishing profiles in the field. His recent form is progressive: wins at Newcastle and Musselburgh, plus proven course form. As a 4yo on 8-10, he fits the recent race trend well, with younger, lower-weighted types doing plenty of damage in recent renewals.
Berkshire Sundance is feared. He tops HRB, arrives in excellent form and Andrew Balding is a positive Chester trainer angle. The concern is that he is drawn high, races prominently, and may be close enough to a contested pace to feel the heat late.
Blindedbythelights has first-time blinkers and Timeform’s pace hint is positive, but he is described as hard to win with. Galileo Dame has Ryan Moore and obvious ability, though she is only HRB rank 4, which makes her short enough. Spirit Mixer is respected as HRB rank 3 and a course horse, but he looks more of a place player.
Self-critique: opposing HRB rank 1 is risky, especially in a race where top-rated runners should be heavily favoured. But the race shape and finishing-strength evidence tilt me towards the rank 2 horse.
Winner selection: Team Player
Saver: Berkshire Sundance
Confidence: Medium